I am hesitant about actually saying anything in the aftermath of the Synod’s defeat of the Measure on Tuesday afternoon. Many who are more eloquent than I have spoken about their anger, bewilderment and disappointment. And, in some measure I share all of that.

Some of the reactions, however understandable, have been a little jarring. I am not sure that the Church is recalled to reflect society. Nor, do I think necessarily the Synod’s position demands the intervention of the state and leads to disestablishment. I do not think disestablishment is to be feared, but could be embraced; however, to argue that the Church of England’s position as an Established Church is somehow compromised is to misunderstand the subtle distinction between a State Church and one that is by Law Established. I do not think either that the mission of the Church of (and in) England will come to a grinding halt. It goes on in some places hindered and in some places exactly the same. In baptism preparation yesterday evening, a good number of folks were clearly unaware of the decision of the Synod. This should not be strange the Church of England is relevant for most people  largely at a local level, which is why the Parish system is Anglicanism’s greatest gift to the people of England.

Finally, I sit (just about) within the Evangelical wing of the Church of England, although the Parish Church I lead probably does not sit there. What struck me most sadly about the Synod debate was the eisegesis (reading into) rather than exegesis (reading from) Scripture that was taking place. Until that changes, Conservative Evangelicals in particular will not be able to interpret the Scriptures in an Anglican (and indeed Reformed) way. That is a tragedy, for it is one of the gifts that evangelicals can bring. That loss will be more severe in the long term that the Synod’s decision.

I fear the Synod’s decision will be easier to reverse than the loss of biblical understanding that the evangelical contribution to Synod seemed to demonstrate.